Same Message, New Method

As much as we like to believe that every church can reach every person, it is simply not true. There are some people who will never step foot inside of a traditional setting except for funerals and weddings. It is not that these individuals are more lost than those of us who frequent the church, they simply have to be approached differently. A preacher once said to me in the urban church, people fall into one of three categories: the C.L. Franklin generation, the Aretha Franklin generation, or the Kirk Franklin generation. Today, there is a generation even beyond Kirk Franklin. A “Frank Ocean” generation that is stirred by hip-hop and urban pop culture, searching for identity and relevance. Most churches walk a fine line in attempting to reach this group by allowing an occasional rap or dance during a youth-oriented service. Then there are some churches across the nation that have fully embraced the concept of the “hip-hop” church. Such is the case with New Method Church in San Antonio, Texas, pastored by Pastor Marcus McIntyre.

Pastor Mac, as he is affectionately called by others, has found a niche ministering to people who appreciate urban music, poetry, and culture. That begins with him. He is a musician, a rapper, a poet, and his ministry is to those like himself. Pastor Mac has experienced the hardships of life that can lead people to feel more comfortable in a subculture. He is the son of a pastor, yet still found himself dealing with the temptations and trials of life. He was the victim of sexual abuse at age 13, joined a street gang, struggled with drugs and alcohol, and dealt with relationship issues for many years. He found solace in writing, using his musical gifts and abilities, and finally, allowing God to deliver him from his lifestyle and begin living for the kingdom of God. The desire of the apostle Paul to take the gospel where it had not been spread resonated with Pastor Mac. For him, he knew the places he used to frequent, the clubs, the streets, is where he needed to be.

Four years ago, Pastor Mac started New Method Church. Armed with the mission to “use hip-hop as a bridge to guide the lost to church”, New Method launched with the same gospel message as every church, but with a different method. A New Method service is high energy, filled with funky music and engaging praise, worship and spoken word. Pastor Mac brings a dynamic sermon every week that speaks to the heart of a young generation. Because of its relevant presentation of the gospel, the makeup of the members is diverse. People of all ages and backgrounds come together for a memorable, life-changing experience. New Method Church conducts clothing drives, holiday toy giveaways, and brings awareness to residents about social and political issues impacting the community. This ministry is so significant, they are countering a trend the traditional church is facing. While many churches are getting rid of evening services, New Method meets on Sunday nights at 6:30. And the people show up.

I will never forget I did a presentation for several senior pastors of the city on reaching and understanding youth culture. I remember presenting the idea of a “hip-hop church”. One pastor vehemently rejected the concept, suggesting the gospel supersedes subcultures. He was right. The gospel message is for mankind, and not just one particular group. Where he missed it, is that some people won’t hear it unless you translate it into their language. Pastor Mac and the brave souls across the country who reach out to the hip hop culture (or the cowboy culture, skateboarders, surfers, and many other specific groups) are simply putting the gospel in a language the people understand. Pastor Mac has faced intense scrutiny and ridicule for having a “hip hop” church, yet he presses forward.

A few years ago I attended a birthday party for Pastor Mac. It was at a club where he DJ’d (his way of reaching that crowd). That night I gave him a book as a gift. I wasn’t sure if the gift was appropriate or seemed to cheesy. But when I walked into the club, met some of the young adults gathered there. When I saw the love Pastor Mac had for that crowd and the love they had for him, I realized the book wasn’t just a gift, but confirmation to him to press forward. The book was The Hip Hop Church by Efrem Smith and Phil Jackson. I knew at that moment I was witnessing for the city of San Antonio, the birth of the same message with a new method.

New Method Church meets every Sunday night at 6:30 p.m. 1226 Highland Boulevard. Visit them, but let me warn you, you may find yourself bobbing your head or tapping your feet, but you will be blessed.